STORM MHAIRI HITS ARGYLL AND BUTE

Almost 200 SNP members from all across Argyll and Bute descended on Inveraray on Sunday to discuss how the party builds on the success the SNP has enjoyed in this constituency in recent years and to hear an “electrifying and inspirational” address by Mhairi Black MP, the youngest member of the Westminster parliament.

The “Members Day” in Inveraray was organised by local MP Brendan O’Hara and attracted activists from Helensburgh, Dunoon, Strachur, Bute, Islay, Garelochead, Campbeltown, Lochgilphead, Oban, Tarbert, Mull as well as Inveraray itself.

Explaining the reason behind the meeting Brendan O’Hara said “The SNP membership in this constituency has never been greater and is made up of a wide cross-section of the community including among others, students, professionals, local authority employees, self-employed, former military personnel and business entrepreneurs.

Our membership is our greatest strength and I wanted to ensure that all the talent and experience we have at our disposal is being used properly.

He added; “Members Day allows for a free-flow of ideas among our grassroots activists. It allows our membership to set the agenda and to discuss where the party in Argyll & Bute should be going and what we should be doing. It also empowers local activists that they don’t have to wait to be told what to do, as they know better than anyone else what is needed in their local area to promote the SNP and further advance the cause of independence.”

Following the group discussions and the feedback session, the day concluded with an address by Mhairi Black MP, who had spent the day mingling with members as they met in their various discussion groups.

Addressing the gathering, Mhairi said “I have absolutely loved being back in Argyll & Bute. Today’s meeting reminded me of those heady days of the 2014 referendum campaign where ordinary folk got together to discuss politics and the future direction of our country. Not since the referendum have I seen so many people packed into public place, not just to listen to someone else but to actively engage by bringing their own thoughts, opinions and ideas to the debate.”

She added: “The Members Day here in Argyll & Bute has been a huge success and I’d love to see this type of meeting, where local activists are empowered to take the lead themselves, spread right across Scotland”

After the event, Brendan O’Hara MP commented: “Mhairi’s inspiring and electrifying speech was exactly what our members and activists wanted to hear and you could almost feel the enthusiasm for getting back out on the campaign and the way so many people left Inveraray this evening with a spring in their step, suggests that that’s exactly what is going to happen”.

The Members Days will be a permanent fixture in the party’s constituency diary, such has been the success of the first two.